The rinds hold a lot of calcium which protects them from spoiling. In ripe melons, the calcium moves from the rind to the seeds and that is what makes them break down and soften up. In fact, some packers are now giving melons a bath in a calcium solution (all natural) to help prolong the life of the melon.

A sweet aroma is an indication of a good melon. Ask your produce person to help you find the perfect one. Don't always expect them to be ripe. The ripest melons will not hold up very long, you will have to use them right away. If you are a weekly shopper pick firm melons and ripen them at home. Then when it reaches the stage of ripeness that you prefer, you can cut it and enjoy it. Remember, A melon will not develop any further sugar after it has been picked.

ake sure you don't pick them too soft because they ferment and taste like vinegar.